The Sikkim government has launched a multi-agency crackdown, equipping police officers, veterinary professionals, and community volunteers with the tools and training necessary to treat animal abuse as a serious criminal offence. The campaign signals a shift in how the state plans to handle cruelty cases—not as minor infractions, but as precursors to deeper societal violence.
On July 15, nearly 70 police officers from across the state participated in a dedicated workshop held at the Sikkim Police Headquarters. The session, organized jointly by the State Animal Husbandry Department and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, focused on strengthening law enforcement capacity through legal education and practical enforcement strategies.
Participants were trained in key legislation, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), and the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which provides enhanced provisions for punishing repeat offenders. The inclusion of the BNS is particularly significant, as it signals the state’s readiness to pursue stronger legal action under updated penal codes.
“This is not just about animals—it’s about safeguarding the moral and social fabric of our communities,” said a senior police official at the workshop. “There’s clear evidence that individuals who abuse animals often go on to commit violent crimes against humans. This training is as much about public safety as it is about animal welfare.”
Indeed, studies support this approach. A 2021 report by the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) recorded over 500,000 incidents of animal cruelty in just a decade. Numerous psychological studies show a link between early acts of animal abuse and future violent behavior.
The initiative goes beyond law enforcement. Just days earlier, on July 12, over 100 animal welfare volunteers and activists underwent similar training to better coordinate with police and veterinary officers. A third session is scheduled for July 16 for veterinary professionals, completing a comprehensive training arc involving all key stakeholders.
Leading the legal instruction was PETA India’s legal team, which has been instrumental in pushing for stronger penalties for animal abusers. Currently, the PCA Act still allows for a paltry fine of Rs 50 for first-time offenders, a loophole that many activists say emboldens repeated acts of cruelty. However, the BNS and ongoing legal reforms promise to change this dynamic.